Due to the popularity of our recent Ultimate Guide for Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs, we thought we’d whip together another festive compilation for you. The holiday season is simply not complete until we’ve spent a good chunk of time bedazzled by sparkly light displays. Guaranteed fun for the whole family. Check out these events lined up for November and December 2015 and let us know if we’ve missed something in the comments below!
FREE EVENTS
Festival of Trees
Four Seasons Hotel, 791 W Georgia St, Vancouver
November 13, 2015 – January 5, 2016
The lobby of this luxury hotel has been transformed into a forest of beautifully decorated trees, all in support of BC Children’s Hospital. The trees are generously sponsored and decorated by individuals and corporations who support child healthcare in BC.
Lights of Hope
St Paul’s Hospital
November 19, 2015 – late December
Walk or drive by this bright and beautiful outdoor spectacle. St. Paul’s Hospital is draped in over 100,000 lights as a part of an annual charity initiative.
Jack Poole Plaza Christmas Tree
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tree lighting: December 4th, 2015 from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Lights are up until early January 2016
Stroll down to Jack Poole Plaza after dinner to check out the cluster of outdoor trees that are here for the holiday season. There are three smaller trees and a tall 50 foot one that is adorned with nearly 65,000 lights. It’s our version of the Rockefeller tree!
Vancouver Parade of Carol Ships
Coal Harbour and False Creek, Vancouver
December 4 – 23, 2015
A unique display of lights along the water in and around downtown Vancouver, this parade is a nightly procession of nearly 50 decked-out boats. You can board the Carol Ships (paid), or you just enjoy the spectacle from the shore (free)!
Trinity Street Christmas Light Festival
Usually December 1, 2015 to 1st week of January, 2016
2400-2900 Trinity Street, Vancouver
Walk down this festive residential block where neighbours try to out-do each other year after year. Donations are gratefully accepted for local organizations Harbourview Daycare and Cottage Hospice.
Self-Guided Tour of Residential Homes
There are lots of private residences that go all out with their light displays. Take a self-guided tour around town. Some of these creative exhibits are mind-blowing. This compilation from News 1130 is spectacular: 2015 Christmas Lights and Events Spotter
Bright Lights Train at Stanley Park
Stanley Park, Vancouver
November 26 – December 25, 2015
Adults $12 | Seniors & Youth $9
During the holidays, the Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza sparkle with three million twinkling lights. Enjoy the breathtaking displays and live performers along the train route. This is a must-do with the kids! Your donation and a portion of ticket sales go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
November 27, 2015 – January 3, 2016
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Adults $37.95 | Seniors $34.95 | Students $30.95 | Youth 13-16 $24.95 | Kids 6-12 $12
This is the most jaw-dropping display of lights. Here, you will find the world’s tallest living Christmas tree – a Douglas-fir that is standing at 152 feet, decorated with thousands of sparking lights. The dazzling sight of the 140-metre bridge and the rainforest will not disappoint. For the kidlets, there is children’s scavenger hunt, gingerbread cookie decorating, sing-a-long carols, and more.
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden
5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
December 1 – 31, 2015
Adults $18.50 | Seniors & Youth $14.25 | Kids 3-12 $11
Experience the Festival of Lights, a frozen winter wonderland with over one million lights decorating the garden. Enjoy the Dancing Lights show on the lake, the gnome performance, and the shadow puppet show. Have photos taken with Santa and savour holiday treats while you’re at it.
Photo credit: Montecristo Magazine